Weekly Highlights in NYC #9: September 9-15
Stargazing on the High Line, an outdoor movie night, and my 28th Street recommendations.
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The Feast of San Gennaro: Runs Thursday, September 11–Sunday, September 21. In my 20s, living in Nolita, I avoided this fair at all costs. But now? With kids, I suspect the fried dough and carnival chaos might just be their idea of heaven. (Ah children, the things we do for them…)
"Hilma af Klint: What Stands Behind the Flowers": On exhibit at the MoMA until September 27. It’s a stunning portfolio of jewel-toned botanical watercolors. Bonus: my kids love the Sound Lab on the first floor, and could happily spend an afternoon there.
Movie Nights on the Overlook continues Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. with a free screening of Moana 2… Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner—no tickets required.
Le Carrousel Extravaganza at Bryant Park features fun, free shows for kids from Wednesday, September 10 to Monday, September 15, running 10–11 a.m. Highlights include liquid nitrogen science experiments, a magic show with Silly Billy, and a kids’ acoustic music performance—no tickets or reservations needed.
Red Riding Hood at 92NY: A 45-minute musical adventure that follows spirited Little Red delivering cake and a cake-obsessed wolf. Performances run on select Sundays at 10:30 a.m., September 14–October 12.
Registration is open, and classes are starting soon at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. The Dynamic H₂O exhibit looks excellent, and I plan to take my kids before the weather cools.
Head to the High Line! There’s free stargazing every Tuesday evening through the end of October, starting at sunset. The Amateur Astronomers Association sets up telescopes at Little West 12th and Washington Streets—no experience, RSVP, or gear required. Also, my son, who can’t get enough of Mo Willems’ Pigeon books, would love to see the gigantic pigeon sculpture (Dinosaur by Iván Argote).
After a summer away from the city, our apartment needed a little fresh energy. This weekend, I headed to 28th Street (floral district) and picked up new houseplants that instantly brightened our rooms. I love Holiday Plants and Tropical Plants & Orchids (despite the name, they stock plenty beyond tropicals) for greenery, B&J Florist Supply for baskets and ribbons, and Jamali Gardens for vases, pots, and other vessels.
We took our holiday card photos a few weeks ago and just got them back—we’re thrilled with how they turned out. Ana Gambuto somehow gets all of us looking at the camera and smiling (a true miracle). If you’re looking for a family photographer, I highly recommend her. She’s based in the Hamptons but often works in the city.